SQE1 Assessment Specification and sample questions

Learn more about the SQE1 Assessment Specification and sample questions we recently published. Join Julie Brannan (Director of Education and Training, SRA) and Jill Foster Taylor (Academic Director SQE, Kaplan) to find out about:
• the knowledge areas that will be assessed in SQE1
• how the assessment will be across two rather than three examination papers
• how the published sample questions will help you understand the content and format of the assessment
• how the questions can offer insight into its level and range.
Take a look at our website for more on the SQE - sra.org.uk/sqe

[@BBHair1]

Poor questions... Only the person writing could feasibly pass! I wonder if they tested these on students who were not solicitors, or merely, qualified, experienced lawyers. This is only SQE1! Remember this is supposed to be degree level/lpc?!? I.e those without a law degree should also be able to at least attempt this!

[@janesmith9024]

If there are no essay questions, just multiple choice and no writing skills in SQE1 the legal professional will be fundamentally dumbed down. The fact BAME people in the tests did badly on the written essay questions and had poor written English is not a reason to remove that element as good written and spoken English is a key skill for solicitors. The earlier we can weed out people with poor skills in that area the better so they are not let loose on the general public. We need to ensure that those passing SQE1 have the skills of someone with a 3 year law degree or who would have passed the GDL. The first quesiton they show is wrong - why is the client able to sue - you are able to sue anyone. It misses a vital word - "successfully". Is anyone vetting these questions who understands proper English? I could sue the prime minster tomorrow for breach of covenant. I am allowed to do that. i am able to do that.; I can start the claim. I will not win but I can sue. Why should the student have to read in the word successfully?

[@gusmanue8337]

I agree with you and I'm a BAME! Personally I find it offensive to re-configure means of testing just because of statistics that are unfavourably. The GDL through the Independent Case study Report of 4,500 and the closed book exams (which would have an element of essay style questions) is the best way for ALL people to prepare for a potential career in Law.

[@uktrailstrekker8851]

Written skills are assessed in SQE 2 which must be passed in addition to SQE 1 to become a solicitor.